Receive the latest local updates in your inbox

2018 Women’s March Draws Thousands Across the Country

Thousands marched all over the country in support of women’s rights.

(Published Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018)

The women's march in Washington, D.C., had the feel of a political rally as U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi urged women to run for office and vote to oppose President Donald Trump and the Republicans' agenda.

"We march, we run, we vote, we win," Pelosi said to applause.

Thousands of people turned out on Saturday for the rally at the Lincoln Memorial and march to Lafayette Park.

"The progressive movement is alive and we will fight for our rights and the rights of those in our community," said Emily Patton, a spokeswoman for the march.

The "March on the Polls," sponsored by March Forward Virginia, was one of many around the U.S. and the world in support of female empowerment. Thousands of people gathered in Cleveland; Richmond, Virginia; Philadelphia; New York; Austin, Texas; and more.

Many marchers oppose Trump's views on issues including abortion, immigration and LGBT rights. Trump on Friday delivered new support to the anti-abortion movement he once opposed, speaking by video to thousands of activists at the annual March for Life.

The march urged women to take an active role in elections in 2018. Organizers said the focus this year was to encourage women to persist in building their political power by organizing, voting and running for office.

"The past year featured an historic number of women engaging in the political process, including running for office, and it is vital that women and their allies continue to take an active role in 2018 elections," a Facebook page for the event said.

“Before last year, I never imagined I'd run for office,” said Del. Kelly Fowler, D-21st District, who was elected in November to represent the Virginia Beach area in the Virginia House of Delegates.

She is among a cadre of women inspired to run for office by the first women’s march a year ago.

CORRECTION (Jan. 12, 2018, 4:20 p.m. ET): This story has been updated to clarify that the Washington, D.C. march set for Jan. 20, 2018 is inspired by the 2017 Women's March on Washington but organized by March Forward Virginia.